What is Teeth Whitening and Who can benefit from it?

Teeth Whitening is a dental procedure that lightens the color of teeth and provide them celebrity like whiteness by removing stains and discoloration. The common types of whitening are-

• At-Home Whitening: There are whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, custom take-home trays and other over the counter whitening options available which can be used at the comfort of your home.
• Professional Whitening: a dentist using advanced techniques in a clinical setting for faster and more effective results performs this procedure. Since, the experts do it; the strength can be adjusted based on the sensitivity and goals.

You can benefit from teeth whitening if-

• You have discolored or stained teeth due to coffee, tea, smoking, tobacco or natural aging.
• You want to freshen up your overall look and give yourself a brighter and a confident smile.
• You have big events coming up such as weddings, professional event, photo sessions, graduations or any public speaking event and you want to make a big difference with your appearance.

Whitening trends to try in 2025

Whether you are a first timer or regular using teeth whiteners, here are some top teeth whitening trends that you should try in 2025-

• LED Whitening Systems- This treatment typically takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the desired results and the system. It is a popular method where the dentist applies a whitening gel (which usually contains hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) to the surface of your teeth and then activates the gel by applying an LED light to it. It speeds up the removing of stains and helps in getting faster and more effective results.
• Natural and Enamel Safe Products– In recent times, the consumers are getting more aware about what they are putting in their mouth and therefore the usage of natural products are on a rising trend. People are preferring peroxide free whitening substances which do not damage the enamel and still deliver visible results. Here are some ingredients that you can try-
  • Activated Charcoal (in moderation)
  • Baking Soda

• • Coconut Oil

• • PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid)
• Custom Whitening Trays– These are dentist made mouth trays, which are designed to fit your teeth perfectly. The dentist take impressions of your teeth and provide you with a custom fit set of trays and a professional-strength whitening gel. You can apply a small amount of the gel to the tray and wear it for the recommended time, which might vary from 30 minutes to a few hours per day, generally for 1-2 weeks.
• Smart Whitening Devices– These are the latest innovation in at-home teeth whitening where tech meets teeth. After applying the whitening gel, you can insert the smart mouthpiece, which connects to your phone or charges via USB. The LED light speeds up the process and the app tracks the time, progress and send you reminders.
• Whitening combined with wellness routines– Whitening is no longer a beauty enhancement, it has become a part of the wellness routine. People use hydration, vitamins and oral care rituals combined with teeth whitening to maintain a glowing smile and healthier lifestyle.

Tips to Keep your smile Brighten

• Have regular appointments with your dentist, especially after a dental procedure.
• Use whitening toothpaste approved by your dentist.
• Use straw for the beverages that are likely to cause stains.
• Try to avoid staining foods such as tea, coffee, red wine, and berries and always rinse your mouth after having these.
• Do not use tobacco.
• Always consult with your dentist before starting any new whitening regime.

Know if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening

You are a good candidate for teeth whitening if-

• You have natural tooth enamel.
• You have healthy teeth and gums.
• You do not have unrealistic expectations to make your teeth unnaturally white.
• You are not pregnant or nursing.

If you have intrinsic stains, suffer from tooth sensitivity, under 16 years old, or have untreated    dental problems, you might not be a good candidate for teeth whitening. To learn more about teeth whitening, schedule your appointment with Dr. Singh at Riverview Dental, Willimantic CT and get the expert opinion.